UBM, LIMA and Alifish Join Forces in China

Partnership will support the development of China's licensing industry. At the same time, a new licensing trade show will launch in China next July.

UBM, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association and Alifish, the licensing and entertainment business unit of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, have joined forces to strengthen the Chinese licensing industry.

“China’s licensing industry is the fastest growing licensing market in the world,” says Jessica Blue, senior vice president, licensing, UBM. “We are excited to collaborate with LIMA and Alifish to facilitate business connections between licensors, agents, licensees and retailers in China.”

UBM, organizers of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, LIMA and Alifish will work together for online licensing matchmaking and trading to support the development of China’s brand, art and character licensing industry through online training, live events and education programs. The three organizations will leverage their respective strengths to better service the licensing community.

“I am confident this cooperative agreement between LIMA, UBM and Alifish will be a driving force for the continued rapid growth of the licensing business in China,” says Charles Riotto, president, LIMA. “It is a powerful convergence to have the world’s primary licensing trade organization, the largest trade show organizer in the U.S. and Asia, and the leading e-commerce platform in China come together. This alliance is sure to create significant business opportunities for both domestic companies and international properties, and better enable consumers to connect with and enjoy the trusted brands they love.”

“With our powerful e-commerce ecosystem, we are able to bring together key stakeholders–from consumers to retailers–to this collaboration,” says Hong Ying, general manager, Alifish. “Working with industry leaders such as UBM and LIMA helps to extend our ecosystem to the benefit of all participants along the licensee value chain.”

Additionally, UBM will launch a new licensing trade show in Shanghai, China, next year.

Licensing Expo China will take place July 18-20, 2017, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

Licensing Expo China will feature more than 100 brands and properties from China and overseas. The show will connect the most influential entertainment, character, fashion, art and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufactures, licensees and retailers from all product categories across Asia.

“In a recent survey, China was identified by our customers as the number one market that they are looking to for growth,” says Blue. “This launch underlines our strategy to provide products for our customers in the markets that they want to penetrate. We are excited to be working with our experienced trade show team in China to deliver this event for the licensing industry.”

In addition to the exhibition, Licensing Expo China will also host a series of lectures and workshops to address issues related to the licensing industry–including a how-to of the licensing business, opportunities, challenges and more. A series of business matching and networking sessions will be set up to connect licensors with potential business partners.

Licensing Expo China will also be co-located with CBME China, the world’s largest trade fair for baby products and services, and Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai, China’s premier trade fair for kids’ fashion.